On The Run: Stephanie Smith

On The Run: Stephanie Smith

As a physical therapist with ThedaCare at Work, Stephanie Smith doesn’t just help her patients get back on their feet—she’s pretty quick on her feet too. Like completing-a-half-marathon-in-one-hour-25-minutes-and-10-seconds quick!

Earlier this summer, Smith placed second in the women’s Fox Cities half marathon. “It was the first time I competed in this event and I really liked it,” said Smith. “It’s a really fast course, and it’s great to see the crowd cheering you along.”

In her cheering section on race day were her fiancée, mom and several friends in town to help her shop for wedding dresses that same weekend. Her best friend even competed alongside her, edging her out for first place.

“She and I have run together since middle school and also ran competitively at Winona State together,” said Smith, who’s excited about her finish—her highest placement yet. Beyond her three completed half marathons, Smith plans to run a full marathon someday. “I may attempt the Fox Cities Full next year,” she teased.

So, how does her love for running influence her work with patients? “Being a physical therapist, you are always aware of your body and movement. It’s a profession that encourages activity and movement, so my hobby fits in with its core values,” she explained. “ThedaCare encourages me to be the best me and without running, which is my major stress reliever, I would not be the best me."